During lockdown, Docks Beers invited the community to celebrate Great Grimsby Day 2021 online by sharing drawings, photos, graphics, music, dance and videos which showcased our beautiful town in a positive creative way. We kept hold of all the entries, knowing that once the Covid restrictions were lifted, we’d be able to host a free exhibition in Docks Academy and invite the whole community along. Here’s a look back at ‘YOU are Great Grimsby’.

[Rachel Spencer giving drawing lessons]

Over the weekend of Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd January 2022, ‘YOU are Great Grimsby’ took place, featuring 89 pieces from 60 talented locals including painters, photographers, poets, sculptures, graphic designers, musicians and just creative hobbyists. We even had make-up artists using models to present amazing Grimsby-themed body and face art, and a local illustrator, Rachel Spencer, taught children how to draw.

[Make up artist Micky Stephenson with one of her models, Rachel Kendall]

Over the course of the two days, over 600 people attended the exhibition, and for many of them, it was the first time they’d set foot inside the Academy. We welcomed people from all over Lincolnshire and a family came from as far away as Peterborough!

[Some of the photos by ‘Grimbarians’ ]

Attendees were encouraged to vote for their favourite piece and these are the top three from the exhibition…

3rd – ‘Doc’s Fears by Sarah Webb

Sarah is an internationally acclaimed British artist, from Grimsby and she showcased her new large and impressive piece at Docks Academy.

2nd – ‘Docks Beers in Lego’ by James Lockwood

A lockdown pandemic project saw James build this impressive structure of Docks Beers, including all interior design – purely from lego!

1st – ‘The Diaries of a Fisherman’ by Kevin Atkins

Kevin was born in Cleethorpes and, inspired by a million early memories of cartoons and comic books, has been drawing anything and everything for as long as he can remember. The piece was painted as part of the Paint the Town Proud project, delivered by Creative Start CIC in partnership with The Culture House, Nomad UX and Design and Hammond House Productions to celebrate the town’s rich heritage.

We’d like to thank everyone who submitted a piece and helped us showcase how great Grimsby really is. We’d also like to say a special thank you to Dan Clark and Lindsey Cowie from the Grimbarians, Dale Mackie and Paint The Town Proud who assisted us getting the exhibition set up.

The exhibition was an overwhelming success for Docks Academy, so we’ll definitely be doing another art exhibition in the future.